Red Funnel experiences bumper Easter Holiday traffic

06-05-2014 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries recorded a bumper Easter with passenger figures 47% up over the Easter week.

The May Day Bank Holiday weekend has also proved to be very busy for the Isle of Wight.

These figures follow a very positive first quarter of 2014, during which Red Funnel has experienced a 13% increase in traffic year on year. The newly refurbished Red Falcon, great holiday offers and high levels of customer satisfaction, have all contributed to the increase in traffic and Red Funnel is anticipating this positive trend will continue.

Summer bookings are ahead of previous years, with an encouraging take-up of the new £25 deposit scheme which is available to customers who book their ferry travel and holiday accommodation in advance – the balance has to be paid just 30 days before travel. In addition to the deposit option, visitors who book early have access to the cheapest fares and the accommodation and sailing times of their choice.

Kevin George, chief executive of Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries said: “2014 has so far been very strong for us and follows an improving trend that started in Q3 last year. We are investing heavily in the onboard experience to ensure that for visitors, an Isle of Wight holiday starts the moment you step onboard. The customer feedback, following our recent £2.2 million investment in the new look Red Falcon, has been superb and we hope to announce further fleet investments this year”.

Onboard the new look Red Falcon, it is possible to buy gifts and souvenirs, obtain tourist information and buy attraction and event tickets from staff who are highly knowledgeable about the Isle of Wight. The Red Falcon also offers dogs and their owner’s unrivalled comfort in the pet friendly North Lounge, improved WiFi which is free to use, full air conditioning and an exciting new range of food and drink options, sourced locally wherever possible. Selected crossings also feature live acoustic music and children’s entertainment.